You never know what someone is going through
It was a Monday morning and the coffee shop was packed. A man in line let out an exasperated sigh as he tapped his foot impatiently while the woman ahead of him fumbled with her wallet. Her hands shook slightly as she counted out her change and her face turned red with frustration. “Come on,” […]
Would you let someone talk to your loved one the way you talk to yourself?
Imagine you are sitting in a coffee shop and you overhear a conversation at the next table. A person is speaking to their friend in a way that is shockingly cruel. They are saying things like, “You will never be good enough,” “You always mess things up,” or “Nobody really likes you anyway.” You would […]
The 5 C’s of Mental Health
In a world that often demands relentless productivity and constant connection, it’s easy to let our mental health take a backseat. But the truth is, our well-being is the foundation upon which everything else is built. Hello, my name is Alli Christiansen, and I am a resident of Salem. Like many of you, I have […]
How Music Sparks Happiness in the Mind and Soul
Imagine this: You’re in a terrible mood. Maybe work was stressful, traffic was awful, or you’re just feeling off. Then, your favorite song comes on. Within seconds, your shoulders relax, a smile creeps onto your face, and suddenly, the world feels a little brighter. That’s the power of music. It’s not just entertainment—it’s a direct […]
How To Help Break the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
March is a great month for raising awareness about mental health. From World Teen Mental Awareness Day on March 1 to World Bipolar Day on March 30, March includes several calendar days dedicated to breaking the mental health stigma that still pervades much of our society. When I was a young girl, I remember talking […]
What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do
We all hit moments in life when we feel completely stuck. Maybe you’re at a crossroads in your career, uncertain about a relationship, or just feeling lost in general. It’s frustrating, overwhelming, and sometimes even paralyzing. But here’s the good news: not knowing what to do is actually an opportunity. It’s a signal that you’re […]
Be The Horse You Want to Ride
I used to work at a Guest Ranch many years ago, a vacation destination that offered an immersive Western experience. It was a place where you could go and participate in activities from horseback riding, cattle drives, and fishing to archery, shooting, and hiking. With three meals a day and amenities like a pool and […]